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Arsenal hosted Manchester City at the Emirates in both teams' first fixture of the English Premier League 2018-19. Manchester City entered the match as favorites and they didn't disappoint.
Two goals, one from Raheem Sterling and another from Bernando Silva, wrapped things up at the Emirates for City. Arsenal never looked like they were going to win and were truly outclassed.
Here are the 5 things we learnt from Manchester City's win against Arsenal
#1 Manchester City are still the team to beat in the Premier League
Manchester City dominated Arsenal from start to finish and the final score doesn't tell you the full story. City should have scored much more in the second half. The defense was rock solid and the Arsenal forwards barely got a chance to threaten.
Sterling ran rings around Bellerin, and Fernandinho ran things well in midfield. Pep Guardiola has done wonders to the squad and they look set to march on to another title.
#2 Arsenal's midfield was in shambles
Xhaka was dismal, off pace and sloppy. He hardly contributed offensively or defensively. Torreira came on and made an instant impact and he needs to start the next match. Mesut Ozil went missing, which is hardly surprising anymore.
Aaron Ramsey played an advanced role and lead the high press but couldn't get into the game. The high press also seems uncoordinated as some players press, while the others don't, which creates gaps. These gaps were exploited well by City.
#3 Arsenal's defence needs a revamp
Goalkeeper Bernd Leno needs to start the next match. Cech looked nervy on the ball and was slow to react for the first goal. Bellerin kept getting beaten for pace by Sterling and his crosses were wasteful.
Sokratis was Arsenal's best defender but that's not saying much. His yellow card just outside the box exposed his lack of pace. Mustafi struggled with the Manchester City pace as well, looked nervy on the ball and was generally all over the place.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles was unlucky to pick an injury but Lichsteiner slotted in well at left back and brought stability in the defence.
#4 Matteo Guendouzi was the bright spot for Arsenal
19-year-old Matteo Guendouzi had a few difficult moments and made mistakes but he battled on in midfield and showed moments of brilliance with some classy touches, dribbles and short passes.
He is just going to get better with experience. His performance was admirable coming against the champions after his move from Ligue 2 in France. At just 19, he has huge potential and is outshone Xhaka in the match. Emery should start Guendouzi with Torreira in midfield to get the best out of him.
#5 John Stones and Aymeric Laporte make a great defensive pairing
John Stones was classy throughout the match with the ball at his feet. His tackle to deny Mkhitaryan and sliding challenge on Aubameyang were brilliant.
Laporte was a threat every time City had a corner and performed admirably to keep the pacy Arsenal forwards at bay. They can keep Otamendi out of the team and form the heart of defence for years to come.
